Her camper van has benches on both sides and a removable table. Categories. Bench-to-bed: The dinette table drops down and the back cushions from the benches are used to fill in the bed. Whether you're a mountain biker, climber, hiker, digital nomad, full-time traveler or weekend warrior; we will build a van that is right for you. For showers we used a solar shower bag which was much more convenient than the black solar shower we built on the Element. Our guide below covers exactly how we did our DIY camper conversion for anyone inspired to join the van life movement themselves on a low-cost budget. All these prices in our database are reduced to one average single price. You can have an open back with 2 benches across from each other, or design a "U-shape" bench with 3 benches. SO, would you go with thicker insulation for energy sake if you were doing this again? . I have a question about the roof fan. Designed for a single person or duo, this easy-to-drive vehicle has the capacity to seat and sleep up to two people. To make this Promaster camper van conversion guide easier to follow, we divided our how-to guide into two parts. We bought 1 and insulation panels to use. Catalog Number: Ram Promaster Layout Guide 118" WB. Everything has a positive and a negative. I wish I had the name but it was a tool we acquired from family. 2. I would screw into a furring strip or support that has been secured with rivnuts, behind the T&G to avoid tearing out the wall. You got it, the big black fuse in the picture with the big red wire coming out of it is the connection I made. ProMaster cargo vans are manufactured primarily for use as commercial vehicles, but many DIYers like the open cargo space and up to 462 cubic feet to create their own camper. BEST CONVERSION VAN LAYOUTS | How to Design Your Van Conversion Sara & Alex James - Custom Crafted Vans ALREADY PURCHASED THE VAN LAYOUT GUIDE? curious about this aswell. This vehicle does not offer a taller interior height. From there, you would either do a 110V AC that plugs straight into the back of the plug or a 12/24VDC air conditioner that plugs into a 110VAC-12VDC converter between the AC and the plug. We looked up socal rv surplus store on google and found a place called Walts RV in Corona, CA. You can see many of the shared elements like a fixed platform bed with a bench in front, and storage area pushed to the right. The cabinet also holds the 12-volt Norcold cooler. Are you happy (no mold or condensation issues) with your choices and would you do anything different in any area of your conversion? Ho unet avanzata e non mi sento di usare la procedura di acquistare un furgone in Germania ecc, ecc. Keep up the great work! The Promaster comes in three "wheelbases" - there's a 118 wheelbase, a 136 wheelbase and the 159 wheelbase. We didnt and that ended up being the biggest problem. 2015 Ram Promaster 2WD. Finally, we used a screw and nut that went through both parts of square tubing from the top, and as it was tightened, it put pressure on the mounting stud holding the whole thing firmly in place. Thank you so much! A cabinet by the side door features a water connection for an outdoor shower system, making it easy and convenient to hose their dogs off. We bought the standard roof version because we got a great deal on it (20k for a basically new van) and for us it was the best model since we planned on going places where height restrictions were common. Levity Vans was born 4 years ago when I saw my uncle's empty Transit van . Ram Promaster Campervan Conversion. Required fields are marked *. The layout effectively creates two separate "living spaces" in a small van footprint. We made our own out of 80/20 tubing and made some mounts that slide in over the factory roof mount stubs. The Webasto doesnt seem very difficult to install since its easy to access the top of the fuel tank from right between the front seats. When it comes to planning your camper van layout our first suggestion is to start saving images of van builds you like and draw from your favorite parts. Thanks for the help! Vanlife Customs builds one of a kind Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster camper van conversions. No, sorry. For 10 years I have planned to acquire a Class B RV and now have the vehicle to do so. We sadly had to take out the desk with the updated rear-bed layout due to lack of space. Most people we know took their AC out instead of putting one in. That is the one part that I am struggling with. . Check out these Promaster camper vans for sale. For the cabinets, Wayne and Linda drew out the plans on paper. Their conversion kit for the RAM Promaster City starts at only $5,580 and their kits for larger cargo vans start at only $10,630. $37,900 via Van Life Trader (link below) Our Weekender Camper is the perfect starter van. This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy. . I like to do as much research as I can before calling in the help of an expert. Where exactly did you make your positive cable connection on the vehicle battery? From van life to RV living, my goal is to help you live a more adventurous life.READ MY STORY. My only question is after the build, from start to finish, what would be any major redos or should of done instead materials, approaches to the build, or anything that has been an unforeseeable problem? It's not often you find a van with a 136-inch wheelbase outfitted with a kitchen, queen-size bed, and a fully-operational bathroom with shower. How/where did you add wall outlets to your electrical setup? Proeddie's Floorplan Here's how I laid out my floorplan for my Hi Roof 159WB Promaster: Design priorities: Parallel to sidewall sleeping with lots of storage underneath and a dining area between 30" wide beds for sleeping, 24" wide for travel and daily use A way to minimize wheelwells During the conversions insulation step, we only sealed off the large panels and didnt bother with the smaller crevices. It gives it a nice, finished look, is super easy to install, and is as lightweight as it gets. Avoid any delays to the start of your camping season by completing these necessary maintenance tasks before you hit the road. If youre tall, a high roof would be more comfortable for the 1% of time you spend standing inside the van. Gear up for summer #vanlife. I am planning to build it as much as I could. It has worked out great for us since we can get into most car garages where the high-roof version wouldnt fit, and since were only standing in the van for short periods while we cook or move around, the lower interior height hasnt been a big issue. All these prices in our database are reduced to one average single price. Photos used with permission of Skala Conversions. Ram Promaster 136" High Roof. Hi, I'm Kate! We put a ceramic tint on all the windows, including the windshield, but its not enough. Promaster Campervan Conversion Guide - Part I: 1. Hey Kelly, we made the brackets ourselves but the process is a bit difficult to explain in text because there are so many moving components involved. Charleston, South Carolina $ 39,999. Also, the windows allow a lot of heat and cold to come through so I would make insulated window covers. Let us turn that stock Promaster into your very own traveling home on wheels. Did you drill into the roof or find a way to use the factory mounts? I loved reading how you built this camper from the ground up. so cool, great job! My questions are, what model is your Promaster? Youre right, shows how little we knew yet still managed to get this done! Its easy to see how ideas evolve and which layouts other van lifers tend to choose. Thanks for the guide. For the ceiling we used 1/8 wood paneling but if I were to do it again, I would use something thicker since it ended up warping with the constantly changing temperature and humidity. We found the perfect, slightly used Ram Promaster van for $20K and over the next 3 months converted the blank cargo van into a fully livable custom-built camper for just under $3k in conversion cost. We used this isolator which has worked out great. Conversion details: . Part I will cover the conversion planning, layout design ideas, and all of the prep work we did thats not necessarily visible but make everything work. Everything else we had to figure out as we built the van. Be sure to watch the video below for a full tour of their conversion. With a new van I could order the extras needed for a successful conversion such as a heavy duty alternator, LED overhead lights, swivel chairs, glass in the rear doors, heated mirrors, interior paneling, and I could pick the color. Yes, that means one person cant shower while the other sleeps, but the portable toilet mounted in the shower is removable, so the facilities can be used whenever the need arises without disturbing the bedroom. Ram Promaster 28-Gallon Wheel Well Water Tank (PM-C-28) fits on either side of the vehicle and accepts 1/2 (black plugs) and 1-1/2 (need to be drilled) NPT fittings. 2016 Ram Promaster 2WD. Thank you! CLICK HERE TO LOGIN BEST VAN LAYOUTS: how to design your van conversion | VAN LIFE BUILD Share Watch on Overview of my Glampervan Promaster van conversion. The Backpacker Build *LAYOUT ONLY* Silt, Colorado $ 34,000. Northwest Conversions manufactures the tanks with ports on both ends and the top to help meet your layout and plumbing needs. We used LED lighting all throughout because they are really efficient and dont get hot as regular lights do. This system worked great on our Honda Element conversion as long as we turned on the car for at least 15 minutes a day. Most details have been resolved, only . We used a battery isolator relay to charge the two house batteries from the cars alternator while driving but disconnect them when the car is off, preventing us from discharging the main car battery and getting stranded in the middle of nowhere. I chose the low roof since it make for a cosier build in my opinion, and not being able to stand up tall wasnt an issue for me. We used the 6th puck light under the bed in the rear storage compartment. The interior dimensions (length) of the RAM ProMaster cargo space is 2670mm (L1), 3120mm (L2), 3705mm (L3), and 4070mm (L4). This page will be helpful when you're planning a ProMaster camper van conversion, or when you're planning the racking for your work van. We spent around $500 on materials from Home Depot like wood, insulation, nails, etc. This gives us an area to work with of about 10.1 ft long by 6.5 ft wide (behind the driver/passenger seats). Kate is the lead content creator for ParkedInParadise.com and has spent over two years living in a camper van conversion. We used stick-on vinyl in our Element conversion and had to place wood underneath to glue it onto. really efficient and bright LED puck lights, Part 2 of our DIY homemade van conversion process, A kitchen area with a permanent cooking stove, Sliding windows for light and air circulation, LED String lights (optional for decoration), Its mold proof so it doesnt need a vapor seal, its non-toxic so it doesnt need to be completely sealed off from the living space, its rigid so it wont shift or settle down with vibration, it has the highest insulation value per inch of thickness so we can maximize interior space. Since then, I have camped in 48 states and hiked in nearly all of the National Parks. Do you know if there is any place that sells just the brackets? Their build looks simple, but its really functional with a propane stove top/oven combo, sink with a 12v pump and just enough space for their dog Dug. And what is the wheel base of your van? For Sale RAM Promaster 159" Highroof. if so what! We dont have any 120V wall outlets, just 12V car plugs and USB outlets. Montauk, New York $ 34,000. EXTERIOR. Sustainable with an open layout. A 30-amp solar charge control, 400-Ah deep cycle house battery, 20-amp DC-to-DC battery charger, and a 2000-watt inverter are also part of the package. After all, they are one of the best vans for van life. The small 700w microwave is multi-functional and a requirement in this century. Let's look at the top 5 affordable conversion kits, including kits for full and partial van conversions. I keep reading about the massive wire people are running, like 0/0 and 2/0, but you did it all with 6 gauge, glad that that is still feasible. You are now expert to do any RV/Camper Maintenance as well. Lifted Promaster Conversion THE BEST LAYOUT | Van Tour (4k) 457,331 views Apr 10, 2019 17K Dislike Share Trent & Allie 444K subscribers Van Layout~ http://bit.ly/VanLayout | Patreon~. There were several Aktiv models produced on the Ram ProMaster chassis: Aktiv, Aktiv 2.0, Aktiv Loft Edition, Aktiv 2.0 Loft Edition. If youre interested please email me at funlifecrisis@gmail.com. Clearly it can be, if the space is used very efficiently. Im assuming this was to save the standing height? Location? We used a variety of materials from wood pieces to cloth throughout the van. If I didnt mind losing some height and I had to choose either adding more insulation to the ceiling or the floor, I would choose the floor since you can feel the heat/cold when you walk on it. Ability to have enough room to change more than your mind. By the time you move into your van you will have already conquered one of vanlife's greatest challenges. Ethan is an electrician and packed 1000W of solar on the roof as well as 600Ah of Lithium batteries! The Ram ProMaster is one of the most versatile and customizable cargo vans on the market. In your Ram is there water storage under the sink? You can get creative with the interior features and layout and then enjoy a spacious conversion that will be big enough for life on the road. Looking to make some improvements to your outdoor RV shower? Your idea of paneling that is made of polyiso covered with fabric seems like genius to mesaves so much space! Then, the builds range from $25,000-$50,000 depending on how many bells and whistles you want for your Dodge camper van conversion. We were super excited about this trip but we had one problem- no transportation. Pretty sweet One more question: Since I pondered a long time with the roof height, are you happy with the low roof? Happy travels! Consequently, it is longer than most standard parking spots. Ive been looking at the Promaster since they are the widest of the vans. The interior of this ProMaster offers similar amenities to what youd find in a much larger motorhome. Zack loves travel and adventure. The driver side full height cabinets contain a clothes closet and storage for a portable toilet. Wayfarer Vans. 10 Reasons To Skip Iceland And Head To Oregon Instead, 85 Van Life Essentials That You Should Be Packing, 10 Best Cenotes To Visit In Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, How To Make Money While Living & Traveling In A Van, 9 Of The Best Hikes On Maui Island In Hawaii. Check out our other posts on Sprinter van inspiration, Ford Transit Conversions, Ford Transit Connect conversions, and read through our build a van guide to start your own adventure travel build! For those looking to live the van life on a budget, this more affordable camper conversion for the Ram ProMaster 136 and Mercedes Sprinter 144 offers an incredible foundation. Cynthia bed is extendable. Hey Sheridan, yes it is. You'll also get a cool pull-out dining table and cushioned . On our previous SUV camper conversion, we used a foam gap sealant to seal off all the small areas and ended up making a huge mess from the dripping sealant that was impossible to clean off. In the Promaster we used two 7-gallong jugs in the back to supply the water and just ran water lines to the sink, like the type used for dishwashers or fridges in a home. You can Design Your Own (DYO) two ways: 1. I have a dog and a cat and will still work 24 hour shifts so I need to be able to keep the van cooler for them while Im in the station. During our research, we couldnt find any low-cost Ram Promaster conversion kits so we had to create our own customized layout and plan from scratch. There are loads of benefits to purchasing Ram ProMaster van conversion kits that make it more attractive than embarking on a fully DIY build. There is a 118" wheelbase, a 136" wheelbase, and a 159" wheelbase. It's not often you find a van with a 136-inch wheelbase outfitted. In Part 2 of our DIY homemade van conversion process, we will go over how we did the camper vans interior build and all the extras that we added on to our conversion to make our van life more comfortable. The van beds are not permanent and can be set up when needed. . They used political campaign signs (plentiful in October and November) as mockups for the curved cabinetry. Here are our top tips for getting the most out of this feature. Thanks! Since its all low voltage and low amperage, you really dont need to worry about things like getting electrocuted and you really cant mess it up too bad. We like the table which is on a swivel mount to make the perfect little work space. I was reading too quickly on this part of the build page. After all, one of our main goals was to keep our van conversion cost as low as possible and we also liked the idea to have the freedom to modify anything in our van to make it look amazing and unique instead of using a generic kit. I was interested in doing this but wanted to install a small 110v mini split ac system. wait. The 118" wheelbase has a floor-length of 105.1", an interior width of 75.6", and an interior width of 65.4". Unfortunately, because of the wheels in the back, a platform is necessary to fit a bed. . The ProMaster and Transit vans are relatively new. For when we need bright lights we installed five really efficient and bright LED puck lights on the ceiling and when we want mood lighting we hung dimmable LED string lights all around the van. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you book through these links which helps support this blog! The Ideal Adventure Layout? Hi Building out the same van I was wondering what the dimensions of your bed are and if you are happy with the size? You'll get Thinsulate insulation throughout, LED lighting, and a 36 aluminum kitchen galley with a manual pump faucet and beautiful bamboo countertops. If you guys are looking for a long-term RV roof solution, just apply RV Roof Magic which provides outstanding characteristics not found in other coatings. 1. Kara is a web developer and solo female van lifer who lives in a Dodge camper van full time with her dog Rocco. Its 12V so theres very little danger of shock or anything.
